SSE National League Two North

Otley 41

Stockport 12

OTLEY made their usual quick start but on this occasion kept up their attacking approach, extending a well-worked 24-0 half-time lead with three additional tries.

Struggling Stockport belied their lowly league placing, beginning most energetically but they had no answer to the speed of winger Harry Hudson when he was shown a glimpse of the line with just five minutes gone.

Three minutes later, after forcing a five-metre line-out, a clean catch and solid drive had flanker Joe Armitage grounding, scrum half Stephen Depledge adding the conversion.

They went further ahead on 24 minutes with a spectacular try, full back Arnie Ellison fielding a long clearing kick and running back at the chasers, making inroads before passing to winger Alex Beaumont, who cut inside to feed centre Jack Mackie, who burst through a scattered defence to score.

Making another great run, Beaumont was held just short of the line but the forwards were swiftly up to retrieve the ball for Depledge to dab down and then successfully take the conversion.

Stockport were out early for the second half and they found Otley a bit flat-footed, two penalties taking them to the home line, where hooker Ben Steele was yellow-carded and prop Andrew Fuller driven over for scrum half Mark Edwards to convert.

Not amused, Otley hit straight back, Depledge taking a tap penalty and centre Michael Coady and Beaumont moving upfield, Ellison coming up to finish off.

Lock Chris Roddy grounded when Otley were pushed back, only for the home pack to collect a penalty try, Stockport hooker Sam Graham receiving a yellow card.

Depledge converted and the final say came on 74 minutes with lock Jonathan Stannard racing in from 25 metres.